Operational since January 2007, the ENPI has replaced the MEDA instrument that was supporting the Euro-Med Partnership and the TACIS instrument for the Eastern neighbours, as well as other financial mechanisms.

The overarching aim of theENPI is to create an area of shared values, stability and prosperity, enhanced cooperation and deeper economic and regional integration by covering a wide range of cooperation areas.

It is a more flexible and policy driven mechanism, as the allocation of funds depends on a country’s needs and absorption capacity and its level of implementation of agreed reforms.

Objectives

According to the ENPI regulation, the objective of the ENPI is to provide Community assistance for the development of an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness involving the European Union and the partner countries and territories.

"Community assistance shall promote enhanced cooperation and progressive economic integration between the European Union and the partner countries and, in particular, the implementation of partnership and cooperation agreements, association agreements or other existing and future agreements. It shall also encourage partner countries’ efforts aimed at promoting good governance and equitable social and economic development."

The funding

The overall allocation for the ENPI, which is increased compared to the past, amounts to almost €12 billion for the period 2007-2013.